[1] In 1491, Guillaume Cappel, as rector of the University of Paris, protested against a tithe which Pope Innocent VIII claimed from that body.
His nephew, Jacques Cappel (Johannes Tillaeus in Latin; died 1541), the real founder of the family, was himself advocate-general at the parlement of Paris.
In a celebrated address delivered before the court in 1537, against the emperor Charles V, he claimed for King Francis I the counties of Artois, Flanders, and Charolais.
He disputed at Sedan before the duc de Bouillon with the Jesuit, Jean Maldonat (1534–1583), and wrote in defence of Protestantism.
The seventh son, Ange (1537–1623), seigneur du Luat, was secretary to King Henry IV, and enjoyed the esteem of Sully.